The demand to modernise Fire and Rescue Services units has gained momentum once again in the wake of the latest fire accident in Kozhikode city, which put rescue personnel on their toes. The opening of a satellite station and the launch of at least one mobile firefighting unit exclusively for the city top the list of priorities put forth by the traders’ fraternity in the district.
Leaders of the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi said the city was yet to be equipped with firefighting equipment that could address fire outbreaks in high-rises. They pointed out that the call to launch a mobile firefighting unit following the temporary closure of the Kozhikode Beach Fire Station was yet to be considered.
Functionaries of various residents’ associations and the Malabar Development Forum have called for the opening of satellite fire stations equipped for speedy response. At a recent meeting, the president of the Residents’ Apex Council of Kozhikode district M.K. Beeran and secretary C. Radhakrishnan drew the authorities’ attention to the demand.
According to Malabar Development Council leader C.E. Chakkunni, the Fire and Rescue Services units are yet to receive modern firefighting equipment such as sky lifts. He also pointed out that the absence of a sky lift had caused significant delays in accessing the top floor of the gutted commercial complex in the city.
Some members of the Fire and Rescue Services squad expressed concern over the outdated firefighting systems, which they said were not yet equipped to handle major fire accidents. They said the absence of fire hydrants connected directly to the main water supply line in Kozhikode city was a major drawback.
“The fire tenders can complete the refilling process more quickly if the hydrants are directly connected to the main water supply lines. It would also ensure sufficient pressure during refilling. The existing hydrants are causing considerable delays,” said an assistant fire station officer in Kozhikode city. He also pointed out that sky ladders should be procured at the earliest to protect multi-storey buildings in the event of similar incidents.
Meanwhile, Revenue department sources said the requirements would be taken seriously upon the completion of the proposed fire audit in all multi-storey commercial buildings by the Corporation authorities. They also said the rescue squads had already been directed to assess the emergency needs and prepare a project to be submitted to the State government.
Published – May 22, 2025 08:12 pm IST
